In the first round of the Euro 2022 elite round, Ukraine's under-17 national team (players born in or after 2005) defeated Kosovo (2:0), while in the second match, unfortunately, they lost to Poland (2:3). At the end of the tournament, Ukraine had to face the hosts — Italy. Given the situation, for Ukraine's national team to secure first or second place and advance, a win was necessary. Otherwise, they would have needed to consider the result of the parallel match between Poland and Kosovo...

From the very beginning of the match, the blue-and-yellow team did not press against their own goalposts but tried to respond to their opponents' attacks with their own. However, it was the hosts who created the first dangerous moment. K'yarodì's shot from close range was saved by Fesjuk. Ukraine responded with a dangerous shot from Gusjev, but the ball flew past the post.

And yet, closer to halftime, Italy's advantage became noticeable. They scored their goal. At the 28th minute, Bolzan won a battle in our penalty area against a defender and passed to Vacco, who was unmarked. Fesjuk could do nothing about it. 0:1.

Towards the end of the first half, Ukraine tried to change the course of the match but failed with their final shots. However, Fesjuk managed to save four Italian attempts in the first 45 minutes. There was still hope for the second half.

And from the very beginning of the second half, our team pushed forward with great force. The Italians did not cross midfield until the 57th minute when they managed a counterattack that resulted in Yanovich fouling Onofrietti. A penalty and a red card for Ukraine's half-back. Moreover, Di Maggio scored from the spot to increase Italy's lead. 0:2. It seemed like the game was over, but the blue-and-yellow team did not lose heart, and on the 62nd minute, Derkach won another penalty. Unfortunately, Kremanin missed this chance by hitting the post.

And when Lipani scored the third goal at the 74th minute, there was no question about who would win this encounter. 0:3. The end of the match was dictated by Italy, but Fesjuk did not allow them to score again, finishing with eight saves.

In the final seconds, Balaba scored a goal of honor after Kremanin's corner kick.

Thus, Ukraine's under-17 national team finished third in their group and, unfortunately, did not qualify for Euro 2022, which will take place from May 16 to June 1 in Israel.

Euro 2022 Elite Round (U-17)

Group 6

April 20, 2022

Kosovo — Ukraine — 0:2 

Italy — Poland — 1:0 

April 23, 2022

Ukraine — Poland — 2:3 

Italy — Kosovo — 1:0

April 26, 2022

Ukraine (U-17) — Italy (U-17) — 1:3 (0:1)

Goals: Balaba (90+4) — Vacco (28), Di Maggio (59), Lipani (74). 

On the 62nd minute, Kremanin missed a penalty kick (post).

Ukraine (U-17): Fesjuk, Bilkon', Balaba, Sizoniuk, Gusjev (Lysenko, 88), Vaselec' (c) (Matveichuk, 46), Yanovich (Krymanin, 57), Matveichuk (Firman, 46), Kremanin, Derkach (Ogarkov, 66), Nagrudnyi (Den', 46).

Italy (U-17): Magro, Sayanì (Malaspina, 79), K'yarodìa, Manè, Domanico, Lipani (c) (Paravichini, 72), Onofrietti (Parravicini, 72), Bruno (Cueto, 62), Di Maggio, Vacco (Miziatano, 79), Bolzan (Delle Monache, 72).

Yellow cards: Vaselec' (21), Derkach (42), Ogarkov (68) — Sayanì (71). On the 57th minute Yanovich was sent off.

Poland — Kosovo — 2:1

Final standings

Euro 2022 Final Tournament (U-17)

Group A: Israel, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg.

Group B: France, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Poland.

Group C: Serbia, Spain, Turkey, Belgium.

Group D: Denmark, Portugal, Scotland, Sweden.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals.

Group stage

Round 1: May 16/17.

Round 2: May 19/20.

Round 3: May 22/23.

Quarter-finals: May 25/26.

Semifinals: May 29.

Final: June 1.